Rev. Michael Vaughan
Pastor
fathermichaelvaughan@gmail.com
Allow me to present myself. My name is Fr. Michael Vaughan and I am a convert to the Catholic Faith. I was born in Newport Beach, CA in 1969. I moved to Lodi for elementary school, went to middle school in Woodbridge and high school at JFK in Sacramento. I entered the Army at the age of 18. I served in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and had a profound experience of Christ and was baptized. After returning from the War, I entered the RCIA program at Holy Family Parish, Citrus Heights. After a short period of discernment, I entered the seminary with the Legionaries of Christ. I did my seminary studies in Connecticut and Rome. As a religious and later a priest, I did missionary work in Latin America for ten years (seven in Argentina and three in Mexico).
I began serving in the Diocese of Sacramento in 2011. My assignments have been the following: Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Joseph (Sacramento), St. John Vianney, St. Peter (Dixon) and St. Peter and All Hallows. My last assignment was Vicar General and Vicar for Clergy. I feel profoundly blessed in my vocation and to be able to serve at such a wonderful community as Good Shepherd Parish and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School. I have the firm conviction that God’s Providence continues to guide every step of my life and his plans are always those of growth: “All things happen for the good of those who love God” (Rom 8:28).
In this time of uncertainty be assured of my prayers for you. Please reach out if we can assist you in any way. I discovered this quote from St. Francis De Sales which gave me consolation during the war and still does today:
“Do not look forward in fear to the changes in life; rather, look to them with full hope that as they arise, God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand it, God will carry you in His arms. Do not fear what may happen tomorrow; the same understanding Father who cares for you today will take care of you then and every day. He will either shield you from suffering or will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.”
Rev. Davis Koottala
Parochial Vicar
frdavis.goodshepherd@gmail.com
I was born on September 22nd, 1972, as the youngest of eight children to Mrs. Chinnamma Joseph and Mr. Joseph Thomas Koottala. My father passed away when I was 15 years old due to lung cancer. Parents lost their fourth son when he was 3 years old and gave that name to me. My mother is currently 92 years old. Among the siblings, three brothers and one sister are married with two children, and two sisters who are nuns. My eldest sister, Sr. Michaella, passed away in a bus accident at the age of 44 on February 19, 2011.
I joined the diocesan seminary of Irinjalakuda Diocese for formation, after completing tenth grade.I was sent to St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Kottayam, for philosophical and theological studies and ordained as a priest on December 26th, 1998.
I have served as a Pastor in several parishes, and as the Diocesan Director of the Kerala Catholic Students League and have worked on various construction projects, including rectories, schools, and churches. From 2014-2019 served in the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama, USA.
Came to serve in the Diocese of Sacramento on July 1, 2024 and served as Associate Pastor in St. Patrick Grass Valley, St. Canice Nevada City, and Immaculate Conception Church Downieville for one year. I was assigned as Parochial Vicar at Good Shepherd Catholic Church Elk Grove as of July 1, 2025.